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The Winter Hibiscus Answer Key

The document contains a series of questions and answers about the character Saeng in 'The Winter Hibiscus,' exploring her relationship with nature, cultural dynamics, and internal conflicts. It highlights her feelings towards winter, her crush on David, and the symbolic meaning of the winter hibiscus as resilience. The ending emphasizes Saeng's growth and her evolving relationship with her mother through shared experiences and understanding.

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ereny gad
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48 views2 pages

The Winter Hibiscus Answer Key

The document contains a series of questions and answers about the character Saeng in 'The Winter Hibiscus,' exploring her relationship with nature, cultural dynamics, and internal conflicts. It highlights her feelings towards winter, her crush on David, and the symbolic meaning of the winter hibiscus as resilience. The ending emphasizes Saeng's growth and her evolving relationship with her mother through shared experiences and understanding.

Uploaded by

ereny gad
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The Winter Hibiscus Questions:

1. What season is it when the story begins, and how can you tell?

 Answer: It is early October, indicated by the bare trees and the swirl of red maple leaves.

2. In what way does Saeng's relationship with nature reflect her inner feelings?

 Answer: Saeng's admiration for the maple leaves and her vague regret for not
preserving them reflect her appreciation for beauty and her sense of loss and nostalgia
for her past.

3. Describe Saeng's feelings about the approaching winter. What does this reveal about her
character?

 Answer: Saeng dreads the grayness and cold of winter, indicating her longing for warmth
and life, traits that suggest she is sensitive and perhaps nostalgic for her warmer
homeland.

4. How does the dialogue between Saeng and her mother reveal cultural differences and family
dynamics?

 Answer: The bilingual conversation illustrates the blending of cultures, with her parents
preserving their Laotian heritage while Saeng adapts to speaking English, showing
respect and understanding across generational lines.

5. What can be inferred about Saeng's relationship with David and her feelings towards him?

 Answer: Saeng has a flutter of excitement at the mention of David's name, indicating a
crush, but she is also realistic, knowing that he is helping her out of deference to his
mother rather than personal interest.

6. What internal conflict does Saeng experience when her mother asks her to help in the garden?

 Answer: Saeng is torn between helping her mother, which represents her familial and
cultural duties, and wanting to “hang out” with her peers, representing her desire to fit
into American teenage culture.

7. What symbolic meaning does the “winter hibiscus” hold for Saeng and her mother?

 Answer: The winter hibiscus symbolizes resilience and adaptation—qualities that Saeng
and her family must embody in their new life in America. Even though its flowers aren't
as pretty, it represents strength to endure the cold, much like their ability to survive and
thrive despite challenges.

8. Why does Saeng feel a sense of separation from American culture, as illustrated by her
reflection during the driving test?

 Answer: Saeng feels out of place due to cultural and lifestyle differences between her
and her American peers, as illustrated by her yearning but also discomfort with typical
American teenage experiences like dating and casual socializing.
9. Explain how Saeng’s past experiences influence her reaction to failing the driving test.
 Answer: Saeng's reaction is influenced by her refugee past and the constant pressure to
succeed in adapting to a new culture, which amplifies her disappointment and sense of
failure when she doesn’t pass the driving test.
10. How does the ending of the story highlight Saeng’s growth and her relationship with her
mother?
 Answer: The act of planting the winter hibiscus together symbolizes acceptance and
hope. Saeng's willingness to help her mother and the mutual understanding they share
about the plant’s significance highlights her growth and the strength of their
relationship.

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